Slick Secrets

8 essential oils for beauty

Cat Wall Aschaffenburg

Essential oils can benefit all skin types and can work the deeper levels of your skin to feed new, developing skin cells. I have to admit, I like the way essential oils smell and feel, but my knowledge of them needed a little boost. New Orleans’ own Alicia Alonzo of Jupiter Oil (JupiterOil.com) was a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Alonzo handcrafts all-natural synthetic-free body oils and products in her line. My favorite is the “Arouse” – the scent alone picks me up!

I asked Alonzo how she began blending oils, “My grandmother, whose hands ached from a life of painting, crocheting and cooking, used them and encouraged me to blend these oils for others.” I applaud her use of a roll-on applicator; it’s brilliantly easy and the handmade paper packaging is embedded with wildflower seeds – soak the label, then plant.

After talking to Alonzo, I’ve put together the following list of eight essential oils for beauty:

Bergamot

This is one of the top essential oils for skin and has antiviral properties that can help fight off cold sores as well as reduce oil, acne and bacteria on your skin.

Rose

Rose oil is fantastic for sensitive or aging skin. Pure rose oil can be expensive and difficult to find but has astringent properties that help repair broken capillaries and improve the overall condition of your skin. Rose oil can also help scars, acne marks and stretch marks fade away and ease common symptoms of PMS.

Clary Sage

This oil has been known to decrease inflammation, revitalize skin and balance your skin’s oil production.

Geranium

You don’t need a green thumb to reap the benefits of geranium; this multi-purpose essential oil is capable of a multitude of wonders, such as helping eliminate body odor, heal wounds, promote cell growth and fade unsightly scars and spots on your skin. It has a calming, flowery scent that helps you to unwind.

Jasmine

Are you in the mood for love? Aside from being a great essential oil to smooth and soften skin, jasmine oil has been said to get you in the mood for romance. Not only can you use this beneficial oil in the bedroom, but you can also use it to help fade scars and marks so your skin is left clean, clear and smelling fresh as a flower.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood has healing properties, reduces lines and calms. It also helps to reduce scars and revives tired, dull skin. In addition, you can use this oil on your hair to restore shine and moisture.

Eucalyptus

You might not think of eucalyptus as a skin care oil, but it has tons of benefits. Eucalyptus works similarly to tea tree oil, so it can help with acne, but it also works great to help relieve a headache. This anti-microbial and anti-bacterial oil can help relieve redness, irritation and swelling associated with adult acne.

The beauty of these essential oils is that you can use them for so many other things besides skin care. Remember to always test oils before applying them to your face, and if you have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist before you try them. Depending on the formula of the oil, you might be able to use it as is or mix it with another oil.